Mark J. Hanson

Xenotransplantation poses significant health risks and ethical problems, Mark J. Hanson maintains in the following viewpoint. He contends that transplanted animal organs could transmit diseases to human recipients, who in turn could infect other people. Hanson also argues that the recipients will have to learn how to cope with the knowledge that an important part of their bodies is nonhuman, in addition to facing physical burdens such as greater susceptibility to illnesses. The animals bred for organ transplantation will be negatively affected as well. Hanson is the executive director of the Missoula Demonstration Project, which was established to research the experience of dying persons and their families and demonstrate the effectiveness of community-based health care in improving the quality of life for the dying.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Hanson’s view, what are...